It was a game-high margin but proved markedly insufficient as the Giants snapped out of their slumber, piling on the final three goals of the game.

Camera IconTom Hawkins is consoled by teammates after his big miss.Picture: Getty Images

Key forward Jon Patton levelled the scores with a tick under seven minutes remaining when he slotted his fourth goal.

A rushed behind with four minutes to go meant GWS hit the front for the first time since the second term. They looked set to hold onto the four premiership points until Heath Shaw's clearing kick was ruled deliberate in the dying stages.

Hawkins got the better of opponent Phil Davis, grabbed a chest mark and set the stage for a grandstand finish. However, the power forward couldn't complete a boilover that looked to be on the cards for most of the contest.

Selwood was unable to recover from the concussion he suffered in the opening minute of the Cats' taxing win over Fremantle last Sunday, while forward Daniel Menzel was ruled out when he was restricted during the warm-up.

First-gamers Zach Guthrie, Sam Simpson and Wylie Buzza all had their moments, with Buzza's maiden goal from beyond the 50m arc celebrated with particular gusto by teammates.

The night was less memorable for GWS debutant Jeremy Finlayson, who hurt his knee in the opening half and played no further part in the game.